Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman has an imbalance of estrogen, progesterone and androgen. This may lead to menstrual cycle changes, cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, skin, changes and, development of male-like characteristics .
PCOS Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOS include changes in your period (menstrual cycle). Some changes are:
- No period after you have had one or more normal ones during puberty (secondary amenorrhea)
- Irregular periods, that may come and go and may be very light to very heavy
PCOS can cause you to develop male-like characteristics. This is called virilization. Symptoms include:
- Body hair growing on the chest, belly, face, and around the nipples
- Decreased breast size
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Thinning of the hair on the head, called male-pattern baldness
- Voice gets deeper
You may also have skin changes:
- Acne that gets worse
- Dark or thick skin markings and creases around the armpits, groin, neck, and breasts
Treatment for PCOS
Weight gain and obesity is common in women with PCOS. Losing weight can help treat the hormone changes and health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Losing just 5% of your body weight can help your hormone imbalance and may make it easier to get pregnant. For a 160-pound woman, that's just 8 pounds! Your doctor may recommend birth control pills to make your periods more regular. Such medicines may also help reduce abnormal hair growth after you take them for a few months.
A diabetes medicine called glucophage (metformin) may also be recommended to:
- Make your periods regular
- Prevent type 2 diabetes
- Help you lose weight when you follow a healthy diet
Other medicines that may be prescribed to help make your periods regular and help you get pregnant are:
- LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs
- Clomiphene citrate, which helps your ovaries grow and release eggs
Your doctor or nurse may also suggest other treatments for abnormal hair growth. Some are:
- Spironolactone or flutamide pills
- Eflornithine cream
Permanent hair removal options include:
- Electrolysis
- Laser hair removal - works best on very dark hair that covers large areas
Treatments can be expensive and multiple treatments may be needed. A pelvic laparoscopy may be done to remove or alter an ovary to treat infertility. The effects are temporary.
Women's Health Locations
16101 Evans St
Ste 100
Omaha, NE 68116
Phone: (402) 758-5870
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
4220 L St
Ste 100
Omaha, NE 68107
Phone: (402) 733-4433
Fax: (402) 733-1220
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
3308 Samson Way
Hwy 370 and 36th St - Ste 201
Bellevue, NE 68123
Phone: (402) 898-3180
Fax: (402) 898-3188
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
7710 Mercy Rd
Ste 1000
Omaha, NE 68124
Phone: (402) 717-3010
Fax: (402) 818-2173
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
6829 N 72nd St
Medical Office Building One Ste 4500
Omaha, NE 68122
Phone: (402) 572-3790
Fax: (402) 572-3779
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
16909 Lakeside Hills Ct
Medical Office Building One Ste 401
Omaha, NE 68130
Phone: (402) 758-5870
Fax: (402) 758-5095
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
8248 S 96th St
Ste 100
La Vista, NE 68128
Phone: (402) 717-9500
Fax: (402) 717-9506
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